Explore Dubai

How to get about Dubai, whether it is by car, bus, foot or metro

It is easy to explore Dubai, as the roads are excellent, and the only problem with travel in Dubai can be traffic jams in some areas at rush hour. Do ask somebody in the know to make sure you leave yourself enough time before setting out, especially if you are out to explore Dubai for the first time. Most visitors opt to travel in Dubai by taxi (very reasonably priced) or to drive themselves, despite the constant road changes and chaotic traffic.

Metro

The Dubai Metro is one of the most advanced public transport systems in the world, featuring driverless trains, air-conditioned stations and special sections for women and children and Gold Class passengers.

Dubai Metro’s two lines cover a large part of the city: the Red Line runs from Rashidiya and Dubai Airport through the city centre and along Sheikh Zayed Road; the Green Line goes through some of Dubai’s busiest districts in Deira and Bur Dubai.

The Dubai Metro is a swift, smart and reasonably-priced way for visitors to get around the city – and to see large parts of it, from the Metro’s elevated tracks. With its extensive system of brand new feeder buses, much of Dubai is now accessible by Metro.

Bus

Although a wonderfully cheap way to explore Dubai, the buses can be very crowded, the traffic erratic, and the timetables inaccurate. However, with the opening of the Dubai Metro a concerted effort is being made to improve the Dubai bus fleet and to coordinate all public transport including water taxis, buses and the Metro. Most bus routes now have brand new vehicles, and many new Feeder routes have started up to serve the Metro - but can be used by anyone, not just Metro passengers.

All Dubai buses now only accept payment through the Roads and Transport Authority's Nol card system. You can buy Nol cards at any Metro station and from a number of retailers: for more information see the Nol website (opens a new window)

For timetable information on public transportation, use the RTA's Journey Planner website, contact the RTA by calling 800 9090 8 0 0 9 0 9 0 within the UAE, or go to the RTA website (opens a new window)

Taxi

Taxis are relatively cheap in Dubai but can be hard to find during peak times. Make sure you know a well-known landmark close to your intended destination as taxi drivers cannot always keep up with the ever-expanding nature of this city. For more information call Dubai Taxi on +971 4 2080808+ 9 7 1 4 2 0 8 0 8 0 8, or visit the Dubai Taxi website (opens a new window)

Car

Driving is nearly always the best way to explore Dubai. There are swarms of metered taxis, although finding one during rush hour can be mission impossible.

Should you choose to drive yourself, there are plenty of car hire companies at the airport. Petrol is cheap and parking usually costs around AED 5 for two hours. Be prepared for rush hour gridlock, and for other vehicles to cut in front of you, turn without indicating, wander in and out of lanes and ignore zebra crossings. Accidents are frequent, so be cautious at all times. If you have one yourself, alert the police immediately by dialling 9999 9 9, and remain with your vehicle.

Walking

The best way to appreciate Dubai Creek’s bustling dhow wharfage and explore the souks, heritage areas and museums is to explore on foot, and other areas such as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina are also very walkable. That said; the higher summer temperatures can soon make any outside activity exhausting. Its sprawling nature means that getting around the rest of Dubai is impracticable without wheels.